The efficacy of the Draw A Person Test (DAPT) in interpreting children’s personalities in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study sought to explore the efficacy of the Draw A Person Test (DAPT) in interpreting children’s personalities in Zimbabwe by determining and establishing how it helps in the interpretation and understanding of children’s sexual orientations and personality disorders. The study took a qualitative approach with a sample of 7 children using the descriptive case study research design. Data was gathered using the Draw a Person Test, observations and in-depth interviews with the participants and their parents or guardians. The study revealed that, the Draw A Person Test was able to successfully interpret the personality traits of children from a Zimbabwean sample thereby validating its effectiveness in interpreting children’s personality in Zimbabwe. The study also exposed that the DAPT is less effective in interpreting children’s sexual orientations in Zimbabwe as most personality traits considered as abnormal in DSM 5 are considered normal and healthy in the Zimbabwean context. It was recommended that different cultures and regions should have different DSM to be used in conjunction with the Draw A Person Test if it is to effectively diagnose personality disorders in various regions.